Bond denied for Henderson County man deemed danger to public

Published: Friday, July 26, 2013 at 2:43 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, July 26, 2013 at 2:43 p.m.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A federal judge has denied bond for a Henderson County man he deemed an "overwhelming" danger to the public after testimony indicated he threatened to shoot his sister, prompting a lockdown at the school where she worked.

A magistrate ordered Joseph Anthony Sentell to remain in custody pending his trial. Sentell is accused of trying to buy a firearm by lying about his mental health.

A detective testified Thursday in U.S. District Court in Asheville there's evidence that Sentell threatened to blow up the sheriff's office so he could become the new sheriff.

Public defender Mary Ellen Coleman argued that Sentell was only convicted of two misdemeanors in connection to the threat against his sister and has never been charged with a violent crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Kent argued that if Sentell was released on bond, he still could purchase a firearm from an individual or at a flea market. Background checks are only required for purchases at federally licensed dealers.

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